France · manufacturer
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation grew out of the aviation company of Marcel Block, later Marcel Dassault. Along with military aircraft, it developed civilian projects; the Falcon business line began with the Falcon 20 in the 1960s and today includes two- and three-engine models.
Falcon
The history of Dassault Falcon: French engineering and an international market
Dassault Aviation’s origins are linked to engineer Marcel Bloch, later known as Marcel Dassault. In 1916 he developed the Éclair propeller, and in 1930 he assembled a new team to build aircraft. This work grew into an aviation tradition in which military and civil designs developed alongside each other.
The business aircraft family began with the Mystère 20, later the Falcon 20, which first flew on 4 May 1963. A Pan American delegation including Charles Lindbergh inspected the aircraft that same day. The American carrier’s interest helped bring the programme to the international market. New generations followed the Falcon 20, drawing on the company’s military design experience while obtaining their own civil certification.
Falcon
Engineering philosophy: handling and precision
Dassault pays particular attention to how an aircraft responds to its pilot. The Falcon 7X became the first business jet with digital fly-by-wire controls. The system drew on experience from the company’s military programmes, including the Rafale: computers process pilot commands and control the deflection of flight control surfaces.
The system helps keep the aircraft within its operating limits and reduces crew workload. It developed alongside the EASy flight deck, which brings flight information together. In the passenger cabin, the same attention to detail appears in the use of space, acoustics and long-haul comfort. The Falcon approach combines precise handling with a carefully considered onboard environment.
Falcon
Why Falcons differ
The Falcon 2000 and 6X have two engines; the 900, 7X and 8X families have three. Engine count alone does not determine a trip’s comfort or economy: the airfield, range, load and exact aircraft version matter. Even within the Falcon 2000 family, the S and LXS address somewhat different route requirements.
The Falcon 6X, which entered service in 2023, stands out for its wide, tall cabin. The 10X programme develops the large twin-engine jet segment further. When comparing generations, distinguish the specifications of production aircraft from the design targets of a model still under development.
Model catalogue
Aircraft Dassault Aviation
A family of long-range aircraft focused on efficiency and operational flexibility.